Why Hasn’t Jesus Returned Yet? | 2 Peter 3:8–10

Welcome to The Daily.

HEADS UP:

We are going to fly through 2 Peter 3 this week, and then Jude, which is a one-chapter letter in the same Journal. But our next study is Esther. I have titled this one, FOR SUCH A TIME: Courage When God Seems Silent. Grab the Esther Journal now. If you are a Project23 donor giving $35/month or more, do not purchase one; we have already sent this to you in the mail.

Our text today is 2 Peter 3:8-10:

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. — 2 Peter 3:8-10

Why hasn’t Jesus returned yet?

The answer—God does not experience time as we do. A thousand years are like a day to him, and a day is like a thousand years.

Peter is not giving us a formula for decoding biblical prophecy. He is reminding us that God is not trapped inside our timetable. What feels long to us is not long to him. The Lord has not forgotten his promise. He is not distracted, powerless, or slow.

He is patient. Like 1000 years patient.

Every added day before Christ returns gives more people an opportunity to repent. What we interpret as delay may actually be God's mercy holding the door open.

I am grateful God did not close that door before I walked through it. So I should not resent his patience toward someone else who has not yet come home.

Maybe there is someone in your life you have almost given up on. You have prayed, shared the gospel, and watched that person continue resisting Christ. Peter reminds us that God’s patience is still working. As long as the door remains open, we should continue praying, loving, and speaking truth.

But patience does not mean the day will never come. Peter says the day of the Lord will arrive like a thief—unexpectedly and decisively. The present world will not continue forever. Everything hidden will be exposed, and every person will answer to God.

That means God’s patience should not produce carelessness. It should produce urgency. Don't delay your own repentance. Don't postpone obedience. Don't assume you will always have another opportunity to speak to someone about Jesus.

Christ’s return is certain. God’s timing is perfect. And today is another expression of his mercy. What looks like delay to us may be mercy for someone who has not yet come home.

DO THIS:

Write down the name of one person who does not know Christ. Pray specifically for that person’s repentance, then take one caring step today: send a message, make a call, offer encouragement, or begin a spiritual conversation.

ASK THIS:

1. Why do we sometimes interpret God’s patience as slowness?
2. Who in your life needs continued prayer and a clear invitation to follow Jesus?
3. Is there any act of repentance or obedience you have been postponing?

PRAY THIS:

Lord, thank you for your patience toward me, and use my words and actions to help someone else turn to Jesus while the door of mercy remains open. Amen

PLAY THIS:

His Mercy Is More